Lauri Markkanen has been one of the biggest names in NBA trade rumors this offseason. Markkanen, 27 is an All-Star level talent he is a gifted and versatile seven-foot wing with a knack for shooting. The Oklahoma City Thunder own Utah’s 2025 first-round pick which is top-ten protected. As a result, it’s logical for the Jazz to trade Markkanen fully bottoming out for the 2025 draft and commit to a youth movement. Additionally, Markkanen is a 2025 free agent and eligible for a new extension which he will likely sign with his new team shortly after being traded.
Markkanen could help just about any contender and has been linked to a variety of teams. Two teams that didn’t make this list yet have rumored interest in Markkanen are the Thunder and Heat. OKC’s would be an ideal fit and they have plenty of first-round picks to offer. However, their cap situation with young stars in line for extensions soon makes a trade challenging. The Heat have had rumored interest in just about every star for the past few seasons and yet they never make a deal. With that being said here are five Lauri Markkanen trade ideas.
5 Possible Lauri Markkanen Trades
5. The Pelicans Get Lauri in a Three-Team Blockbuster
The trade:
Jazz receive: Brandin Podziemski, Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, and Jordan Hawkins, via Pelicans: 2025, 2026, 2031 first-round picks, 2027 first-round pick swap, 2030 second-round pick, via Warriors: 2025 first-round pick
Pelicans receive: Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler
Warriors receive: Brandon Ingram
This trade is a long shot however, it makes sense for all sides. For the Pelicans, Markkanen is a fit upgrade over Ingram as a big shooter with more versatility. Acquiring Kessler gives them a much-needed big man. While they traded a lot of picks and Ingram this combination is worth the price. With this move, the Pelicans complete their incredible offseason and give Zion Williamson a highly competitive team. Ultimately this move would move the Pelicans far closer to contention.
While the Warriors have been in pursuit of Markkanen his price could be too high. Making Ingram a solid backup plan for a cheaper cost. Ingram would give the Warriors an additional shot-creator as an All-Star-level wing. Crucially, he would be a great fit next to Steph Curry. Furthermore, the wing duo of Ingram and Jonathan Kuminga is an exciting possibility. Moving off of Andrew Wiggins also makes this trade beneficial for the Warriors.
The Jazz would get a great return for Markkanen. With a combination of two intriguing second-year wings and a plethora of future draft picks. Podziemski in particular showed tons of promise as a rookie. By giving up both Markkanen and Kessler the Jazz would fully bottom out and compete for the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Additionally, with a slew of future first-rounders the Jazz set up nicely for the future. This surprising three-team deal could be the best offer the Jazz get.
4. The Magic Go All-In
The trade:
Jazz receive: Anthony Black, Jett Howard, 2025 and 2027 first-round picks, 2028 first-round pick swap, 2025 second-round pick
Magic receive: Lauri Markkanen
The Magic might be done with upgrading their roster. However, adding Markkanen is an exciting possibility and he is an ideal fit. Markkanen would give Orlando yet another lengthy wing and an elite shooting threat. While the signing of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope helps their shooting the Magic could still have another one. They have the assets to make a substantial offer. This offer gives the Jazz two 2023 lottery picks in Anthony Black and Jett Howard. With three future first-round picks in this deal, Utah would be getting a great return. While they give up a lot the Magic would improve and be a contender in the East.
3. The Kings Make Another Big Move
The trade:
Jazz receive: Devin Carter, Kevin Huerter, 2026, and 2028 first-round picks, 2029 first-round pick swap, three second-round picks
Kings receive: Lauri Markkanen
The Kings added DeMar DeRozan recently but reports are saying they are still interested in acquiring Markkanen. This scenario has been described as a dream offseason for the Kings. Markkanen’s size, shooting, and versatile game make him an ideal fit with the Kings. Notably, the Kings have several first-round picks at their disposal and could make a massive offer to establish themselves as a legit contender in the West. This trade gives Utah this year’s 13th overall pick, Devin Carter who would be perfect with their young core. Additionally, Huerter would be a solid floor-spacing wing for the Jazz. The combination of these two players with three first-round picks and three second-round picks would be a very solid return for Markkanen.
2. The Warriors Get Their Guy
The trade:
Jazz receive: Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Kevon Looney, 2025 and 2027 first-round picks, 2029 first-round pick swap, 2026, and 2029 second-round picks
Warriors receive: Lauri Markkanen
The Warriors have been in pursuit of Markkanen for quite some time. However, recent reports suggest teams are far apart in discussions. This scenario has the teams meeting in the middle from a value standpoint. Podziemski and Moody are two high-impact young wings. Looney is a solid rotational big. These three players along with three first-round picks and two-second picks are a good return. Markkanen’s fit is incredible, filling the Warriors’ main needs of secondary shot creation and frontcourt play. Making him the ideal co-star next to Steph Curry. Markkanen’s elite shooting and high IQ also make him a perfect fit for the Warriors system. Furthermore, his size would add another dimension to the Warriors and improve their rebounding. Ultimately this move would greatly bolster the Warriors’ seeding and playoff chances in an ultra-competitive West.
1. Spurs Get a Star Next to Wemby
The trade:
Jazz receive: Devin Vassell, 2025, and, 2028 first-round picks, 2027 first-round pick (via ATL), 2026 second-round pick
Spurs receive: Lauri Markkanen
This offseason Spurs added some veterans around Victor Wembanyama with Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Why not go all in with Wemby right now? Recent reports have stated the Spurs are eyeing Markkanen. He is a perfect fit for the Spurs as a tall and lengthy shooter. While Devin Vassell is a high-level young wing and a natural fit next to Wembanyama it’s clear the Jazz want a proven young player in a Markkanen trade. The Spurs have a plethora of picks so why not cash some in to get an All-Star-level player who is the perfect fit with Wembanyama? The frontcourt of Wembanyama and Markkanen could make the Spurs a playoff team. With a generational talent like Wemby, you should always be looking to compete. This move could make the Spurs a legit playoff squad and give Wemby a perfect running mate.
